‘A smile that never ever fades’: Remembering a fighter gone too soon
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The sporting world is reeling after news emerged about a young athlete whose promising career and personal milestones were cut tragically short.
In the space of just months, what began as a health challenge turned into a devastating battle that no one saw coming.
Now, an outpouring of grief and tributes is painting a picture of the legacy she leaves behind.
Tributes poured in for Georgia O’Connor, the much-loved boxer from Durham, who died aged 25 after a courageous battle with cancer.
O’Connor first made headlines in 2017 when she won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, marking her as a rising star in the boxing world.
She turned professional in 2021 and remained undefeated in her three fights, promoted by Ben Shalom’s Boxxer.
Earlier this year, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer, following a previous struggle with ulcerative colitis that caused her severe cramps and bowel issues.
In a poignant update just two weeks before her death, she shared that she had married and taken her husband’s surname, Cardinali.
The boxing community was left devastated by the loss of a young talent known not only for her skill but for her inspiring spirit.
Ben Shalom, O’Connor’s promoter, said: ‘It’s hard to make sense of this. A lot goes on in life but nothing else matters other than your family and your health.’
‘My heart goes out to Georgia’s parents and partner, who I know did everything they could tirelessly and are going through so much right now.
‘Georgia was an inspirational person and one I’ll never forget. So sorry for her family and all her friends. Truly heartbreaking.’
‘Boxxer released a statement expressing their heartbreak and described O’Connor as a ‘true warrior inside and outside the ring.’
‘Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at Boxxer. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.’
World champion Ellie Scotney, who counted O’Connor as a close friend for a decade, called her ‘the most beautiful human’ she had ever met.
‘I was so blessed with not just a friend for 10 years, but a sister for life,’ Scotney said.
‘Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours. A smile that never ever fades, and a heart that will forever live on in so many ways.’
‘There was nothing you couldn’t do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered.’
Commentator and former boxer Stacey Copeland reflected on the cruelty of life and the loss felt across the sport.
‘Just 25 years old, she had so much ahead of her, but I know our boxing community will honour her memory,’ Copeland said.
‘We’ll never forget you, we’ll always be proud of you, and you’ll continue to inspire us all from above.’
The World Boxing Association (WBA) paid tribute to O’Connor’s fighting spirit and lasting impact beyond her achievements in the ring.
They noted her rise to prominence following her standout performance at the Commonwealth Youth Games and her courage during her illness.
‘Georgia’s legacy extends far beyond the ring—her passion for boxing and the bravery she displayed both inside and outside the squared circle will be remembered always,’ the WBA said.
They extended their condolences to her family, friends, and the boxing community, reaffirming their support for athletes dedicated to the sport.
To hear more about the impact Georgia O’Connor had on the boxing community, watch the heartfelt tribute from industry voices.
Watch the video now to see how the sport remembers her inspiring journey.
Source: Youtube/@talkSPORTBoxing
Georgia O’Connor’s fight both inside and outside the ring showed incredible strength and heart. How do you think her legacy will inspire future generations of athletes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
In the space of just months, what began as a health challenge turned into a devastating battle that no one saw coming.
Now, an outpouring of grief and tributes is painting a picture of the legacy she leaves behind.
Tributes poured in for Georgia O’Connor, the much-loved boxer from Durham, who died aged 25 after a courageous battle with cancer.
O’Connor first made headlines in 2017 when she won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games, marking her as a rising star in the boxing world.
She turned professional in 2021 and remained undefeated in her three fights, promoted by Ben Shalom’s Boxxer.
Rising boxing star Georgia O’Connor dies aged 25. Image source: Instagram/georgiaoconnor_1
Earlier this year, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer, following a previous struggle with ulcerative colitis that caused her severe cramps and bowel issues.
In a poignant update just two weeks before her death, she shared that she had married and taken her husband’s surname, Cardinali.
The boxing community was left devastated by the loss of a young talent known not only for her skill but for her inspiring spirit.
Ben Shalom, O’Connor’s promoter, said: ‘It’s hard to make sense of this. A lot goes on in life but nothing else matters other than your family and your health.’
‘My heart goes out to Georgia’s parents and partner, who I know did everything they could tirelessly and are going through so much right now.
‘Georgia was an inspirational person and one I’ll never forget. So sorry for her family and all her friends. Truly heartbreaking.’
‘Boxxer released a statement expressing their heartbreak and described O’Connor as a ‘true warrior inside and outside the ring.’
‘Georgia was loved, respected and admired by her friends here at Boxxer. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this difficult time.’
World champion Ellie Scotney, who counted O’Connor as a close friend for a decade, called her ‘the most beautiful human’ she had ever met.
‘I was so blessed with not just a friend for 10 years, but a sister for life,’ Scotney said.
‘Even when life was on a timer, you never let anything dim that light of yours. A smile that never ever fades, and a heart that will forever live on in so many ways.’
‘There was nothing you couldn’t do, the world at your very feet no matter what room you entered.’
Commentator and former boxer Stacey Copeland reflected on the cruelty of life and the loss felt across the sport.
‘Just 25 years old, she had so much ahead of her, but I know our boxing community will honour her memory,’ Copeland said.
‘We’ll never forget you, we’ll always be proud of you, and you’ll continue to inspire us all from above.’
The World Boxing Association (WBA) paid tribute to O’Connor’s fighting spirit and lasting impact beyond her achievements in the ring.
They noted her rise to prominence following her standout performance at the Commonwealth Youth Games and her courage during her illness.
‘Georgia’s legacy extends far beyond the ring—her passion for boxing and the bravery she displayed both inside and outside the squared circle will be remembered always,’ the WBA said.
They extended their condolences to her family, friends, and the boxing community, reaffirming their support for athletes dedicated to the sport.
To hear more about the impact Georgia O’Connor had on the boxing community, watch the heartfelt tribute from industry voices.
Watch the video now to see how the sport remembers her inspiring journey.
Source: Youtube/@talkSPORTBoxing
Georgia O’Connor’s fight both inside and outside the ring showed incredible strength and heart. How do you think her legacy will inspire future generations of athletes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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taken way too soon. Condolences to her loved ones 
very sad 
